Historic Day Tour Centers on Colonial Sites in Virginia’s Northern Neck

In an effort organized by the Council and spearheaded by Warrior James Franklin Russell, fourteen Warriors and guests toured five Virginia sites with deep Colonial history on June 24 in the part of the commonwealth located between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers commonly called the “Northern Neck.”

“The Council was excited to sponsor this first tour as our 2023 special activity for Warriors that illuminates some of the history we are passionate about protecting and promoting,” said Governor Edward Dana Mitchell, who attended with his wife Katherine.

Russell attended the tour as guide in the guise of Richard Henry Lee and was assisted by award-winning George Washington interpreter Andrew Packett.

The itinerary began at Sabine Hall, one of the great homes of America, which was built about 1730 by Landon Carter. Continuing, the excursion saw Yeocomico Church, in Westmoreland County, a brick church built in 1706 replacing the original 1655 wooden structure and the site of George Washington’s baptism.

Next, Ditchley, a historic plantation house, was built in 1687 by Kendall Lee, grandson of Col. Richard Lee, who entered Jamestown penniless in 1639 and died Virginia’s largest landholder. Tour guests had lunch in the home and a cider tasting. Later, they saw Historic Christ Church in Weems, the home church of Robert “King” Carter, in his day one of Virginia’s most prosperous and powerful citizens.

The wrap up tour of Westlawn, the historic home that is currently occupied by Russell and his wife, included a whiskey tasting, dinner and wine from the owner’s cellar.

Below are photos of the sites and attendees for this historic tour.